Bichon Play Day in DesMoines

I just wanted to send a quick note about the Bichon Play Day this Sunday, September 18th, in DesMoines.
Their link is
http://iowabichon.blogspot.com/2008/03/iowa-bichon-news-2008-playdays.html

Unfortunately we will be out of town Sunday and will not be able to attend.
I hope all the Bichons have lots of fun.
Loretta

Puppy Update

Happy September!
I thought I would share some of the photos that I have received, so that other puppy families can see how their siblings are growing.
I thought today I would share pictures of Esme and Rose's little ones.

This is the super cute, super model Misty, about a week after she went home.
Misty says you should check her out on Dogbook!

This is Hero about a week after he went home.
His new Mom and Dad tell me he is doing great and that he loves his home made raised pet bed.

This is Lily from Rose's 2010 litter of puppies.

FLASHBACK!
This is Lily as a little puppy checking out a duckling.

Lily loves the great state of MN and is quite the little social butterfly.
Her mommy Amanda tells me,
" She is the greatest dog in the world! Lily has more personality than any dog I've ever met. She's so funny and always has a smile on her face. She loves everyone and every dog we meet. Lots of friends to play with. She attends doggy day care once a week and loves running through the swimming pool and then the mud! She is still quite unique with an apricot stripe down her back and on her ears. I'm so happy I found you and found my little Bichon. She's the perfect addition to my life!"

Momma Rose and Momma Esme are doing well. Rose is looking forward to retirement, she will be spayed the end of this month. We decided to spay Rose because she needed 2 c-sections.

I have more pictures to share in the next week of Fawkes litter of puppies.
So please keep sending pictures and checking back.
Have a happy Labor Day!
Loretta

Time for Park Pictures!

Our little Elf was the first puppy to go home to her forever family. She was super excited to start her new adventure.

Charlie was the second puppy to go home.
Charlie was happy to learn he would have several feline friends to play with.

After Elf and Charlie went home we thought it might be fun to go to the beach. I had never taken puppies to the beach before so it was a first for all of us.
Chloe surprised me and headed straight towards the water.
Chloe is looking forward to going home on Saturday.
I think Chloe and her big sister Nadia will have lots of fun exploring all the lakes in Mn.

We only spent 15 minutes at the beach because the boys kept climbing into their kennel and hiding. So we decided to go to the Isaac Walton League Club that has lots of shade and grass to play on.
It is always so much fun to bring the puppies to the park,
as long as we pack a good puppy go bag to bring with.
The most important things to pack are cold water and a bowl, but we also pack toys, a blanket, extra leashes, a towel or 2, frozen water bottles for cuddling up next to if it is really hot, treats and bags for cleaning up any messes that we might make. I also bring a play pen with just in case the puppies want to take a nap.

I should mention that it is very important to test the temperature of surfaces at the park and beach to make sure the puppies feet will not get burned, surfaces can be deceiving as to how hot they will be.
This trip we stopped by Kim's apartment and brought Miss Minnie along for some fun.

Back to the fun stuff!

The puppies really cut loose at the club.
Misty had lots of fun chasing and smelling all the trees.
Misty can't wait to play with her new big bichon siblings and wanted me to make sure to let them know she is coming home on Saturday.

Hero also loved the club. He is such a clown, always making me laugh in the most unexpected ways.
Hero is looking forward to going home on Sunday.

Bentley Merlin is our little trouble maker.
Ok, he doesn't actually make trouble he just likes to threaten to make trouble.
This week Bentley has been keeping close and and sweet talking me into treats.
Bentley is also looking forward to going home on Sunday.

Please check out our photo album this week, I have lots of fun pictures of the beach and park.

We are very excited for our puppies that they are going home with their forever families and starting their own adventures this week. But we are also a little bit sad that it is time for them to leave already. Just when they are learning to go potty outside and come in and out of the house when called,less work and more fun ;-)
But the Mom's and Dad are excited that they will not have to share our attention, and I have promised them more trips to the park. We love exploring and getting "lost" in the woods.
Until next time,
Loretta
P.S. We are hoping to update on how past puppies are doing until our next litters are born(spring 2012). If you have one of our puppies and would like to send us pictures and an update we will post them for other families to see how the siblings are doing.

Quick Note

I am sorry I have not been keeping up with the blog this month.
Life just keeps getting in the way.
All the puppies have found their forever homes and most of them have their forever names.
I have uploaded 2 photo albums the links are
https://picasaweb.google.com/honeyridgepuppies/RoseAndEsmeSPupsAt6Weeks
and
https://picasaweb.google.com/honeyridgepuppies/RoseAndEsmeSPuppiesAt7Weeks

Today is a very exciting day. We are going to the park!
I will update and add new pictures Friday.
I better go get a picnic basket ready!
Ta For Now,
Loretta

The Last Rays of July

I think that the heat of July has wiped us all out.

I love being able to see the size differences between the puppies, but I thought it might be nice to label them so that every one could tell who is who.

Merlin is just too cute. He may be the smallest but he definitely has the most hair!

Hero and Daddy Saul trade kisses!
Hero is a lot like his mom and daddy, always making cute faces.
And always the center of attention.

Griffin is the biggest of all the puppies, and the most laid back.
Griffin really knows how to steal my heart with his beautiful eyes.

Fairy is the most laid back of the girls, she is also the biggest of the girls, but not by a lot.
Fairy would like to point out that she is still 140 grams lighter than Griffin.

Elf is adorable with her beige ears.
Elf is the middle weight of the girls this week.

Mimic is just super cute and she just loved the camera this week.
Mimic was the smallest of the girls this week.
I think she totally would have won the Top Model competition.

The puppies are really starting to move around and have invaded the living room. I think it is still too hot for them to be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. So, for now, we spend most of playtime in the air conditioned living room.

The puppies are getting really excited about our open house weekend on August 12-14.
4 of the 6 puppies will get to pick out their forever families and maybe even get their forever names!
We still have 2 little boys available. If you are interested please send me an email at
honeyridgepuppies@gmail.come
Please check out our Photo Album!
Dexter was kind enough to pose with all 6 puppies before he took a mud bath!
Ta for now,
Lretta

What a busy July!

It has been a very hot and busy July. But super fun!

Even Kyree agreed to join in on all the fun.
We always introduce the puppies to lots of different things, having a good puppy training cat (Kyree) is very important.

This is Esme's little Hero. Hero is 5 days younger than the rest of the puppies.
It has been fun to be able to see the difference a few days of development really makes.

This is our Magical Merlin.
Merlin was born to Rose but he has been adopted by Esme.
Merlin is the smallest in size but he is always the first puppy in development.
Merlin already has a fabulous coat of hair.

This is Rose's Griffin.
Griffin is the biggest puppy in size.
Griffin is the most charming little guy, always playing the prince.

This is Rose's Mimic.
Mimic is a cute little girl, she is the smallest little girl this week.

Fairy is Rose's largest little girl.
Fairy would like to point out that she is still 140 grams lighter than Griffin.

Elf is the middle weight of Rose's little girls this week.
Elf is also very special because she has 2 beige ears.
Elf reminds me of her sister Lilly however her markings are not nearly as dark.
Please feel free to check out our Picasa Photo Album for this weeks pictures, or if you would like to see pictures of our past puppies.

We do still have 2 little boys looking for their forever families. Please send me an email if you are interested or have any questions about bichon puppies in general.
I can be reached at honeyridgepuppies@gmail.com

Our next posting will have pictures of the puppies making their first exploratory mission into the great and wild outdoors!
Ta Ta for now,
Loretta

New Nick Names

This week the puppies received their new nicknames!
I chose all bird names because the birds outside were singing and dancing and they inspired me.

The 3 little princes all lined up and ready for a group shot!

This is Esme's little hero. He is 325 grams at 3 days old.

This is Rose's little Merlin - named after
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_%28bird%29
Merlin is a magical puppy, he is the smallest puppy and weighs in at 315 grams. Esme was taking the loss of her still born puppy really hard and every time Rose's puppies would make any sounds at all Esme would leave her puppy Hero and try to get into Rose's playpen. Merlin,also doing his part, had not been gaining weight as quickly as his siblings so I made a judgement call and put Merlin in with Esme and Hero. I did ask Rose first, but she had also been doing her part and I had the feeling that she felt a bit overwhelmed.
I can only describe the results as magic, Rose now seems happier and is much more attentive to her remaining 4 puppies. Esme is Super proud of both of her little boys, and she makes sure to show them off. Merlin also seems to like the extra attention he receives as 1 of 2 puppies. And I was happy because Merlin received extra colostrum, which should help him to grow big and strong.

This is Rose's little Griffin,named after http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffon_Vulture
He is the largest puppy and tops the scales at 450 grams.

We do still have 2 little boys looking for their forever families, please send us an email if you would like more information on our little princes.

Rose's three little girls trying hard to avoid a group shot.

Rose's little girl Mimic, named after http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meliphagidae
Mimic is 377 grams today.

Rose's little princess Elf, named after http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf_owl
Elf is 390 grams today.
Rose's little girl Fairy, named after http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Fairy-bluebird
Fairy is 390grams today.
I have also added pictures of the puppies next to a can of soda so that you can get an idea of how big they are, check out our photo album to view them.

https://picasaweb.google.com/honeyridgepuppies/RoseAndEsmeSPups79#

All 6 of our little pups are doing great! This week their eyes and ears will start to open but they will mostly just eat and sleep.
Momma Rose will have her stitches out this week, she is very excited to tell the vet about her little ones. Esme is just loving being a mom, and can't wait to meet all the families that will come out to visit during open house, so she can show everyone her beautiful little guys.
Have a great week!
Loretta

Busy July

July has had a very exciting start! First Rose had her beautiful pups and today
Esme delivered Hero!
Esme started showing signs of whelping on July 5th. After an uncomfortable night she started contractions at 4:45 am. At 5:30 am Esme delivered a still born little boy. She was very upset and confused as to why he wasn't moving.
I was worried that maybe she wouldn't have any other puppies but at 7 am she started contracting again and at 7:30 her Hero arrived.

I have nicknamed Esme's little guy Hero as I am positive that he saved the day.

Rose's Little ones are doing great!

These are our 2 princes.

And Rose's Princesses are already looking forward to meeting their forever families.
Too Cute!
I am sending out emails to all the families on our waiting list and giving each family a few days to decide if they would like a prince before moving down the list to the next family. It does take some time but I want to make sure all our puppies go to good and loving families.
If you would like to see more pictures of the puppies please check out our Picasa album at
https://picasaweb.google.com/honeyridgepuppies

On to the sad part of this blog.

We will have a short service and burial of Esme's still born puppy this evening. We will also plant a tree to remember him.
I normally do not add this type of caution to our blog but even 8 hours after the delivery I still tear up just thinking about it, and I felt it was important to share.

I frequently get calls and emails from families wanting to breed their family pet and this seems like a good time to make this statement. Every pregnancy carries risk, both to mom and the puppies. Also every pregnancy requires commitment from the human family as well. Esme had human company all day July 5th and I was awake and next to her all night. Loosing a puppy due to delivery complications is very sad and super scary for everyone involved. Also if I had not been right there with Esme, we might have lost Esme as well. Having a great communication with your vet during the pregnancy and delivery is essential. We kept in touch with the vet during the day on July 5th so that he was aware of what was going on and I had to call him at 5:25 am because I was unsure how to continue with the delivery, he was very helpful and talked me through the steps that I needed to take. To those considering breeding their family pet please be aware of the health risks before breeding.

I am very happy that Hero is doing so well. Esme is doing great and is very proud of her little prince.
Until next time,
Loretta

Happy Holidays!

Boy the holiday sure has started with a bang!
Friday July 1st, 2011 will be forever marked as the birthday of 5 beautiful puppies.
Rose had a c-section at 2:30 pm.
I am happy to report that Momma Rose and all 5 puppies are doing great.
The little man of the litter was born hungry and complained all the way home from the vets office that he was hungry and wanted his dinner.
Rose was super excited to here him crying all the way home and reassured him his dinner was on the way. It was super cute to hear her little reassuring barks on the ride home. I think we arrived home just after 4 pm and by 5pm Rose was cleaning the puppies and really checking them out. I think she should get a medal for super mommy!
I am still keeping a super close eye on her and the puppies and will be all night.
I did manage to take a few snapshots, for the photo album.

Esme is due on Wednesday, I am really hoping that all goes smoothly and we do not have to make another emergency trip to the vet.

I will update again soon. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend.
Loretta

Memorial Day Weekend

This week I thought I would do something just a little different. The pictures I have posted are of the puppies when they are not groomed, and it has been a couple of rainy days since their last bath. Just to give you an idea of what they look like when they are not freshly bathed.

Leo found his forever family today.
He was super excited, and is looking forward to all sorts of new adventures.


Dandy is looking forward to going home and exploring on Memorial Day!

Our ever loving and regal Louie is going to stay a little bit longer and keep momma company before he heads out to meet his forever family on Friday.
I am sure Momma Fawkes and I will spoil him with lots of love before he heads home.

It has been really nice having the puppies go home over a few weeks,
it keeps the house from becoming "to quiet, to fast".
I did post more action shots of the puppies and if the weather clears up, I hope to take a few more shots of Louie and Dandy now that they have had a bath.
I will post more soon,
Loretta

New Names

There comes a time in every puppies life when we decide that maybe the names we picked out simply are not cute enough. That time is today!

I would like to reintroduce Dandy and Leo!
First in the ring....


Leo R. Vervain!
This handsome and strong explorer would love to be part of your family. Leo loves to explore and play!

Leo helps get rid of Pesky weeds too!

Our second in command,
Dandy B. Chervil!
Dandy is a handsome little guy with all the charm of a real 1800's dandy.
Dandy loves to charm all the girls and then cuddle up for a nap.

Even in high winds Dandy makes all the girls swoon!

Harry went home on Sunday.
We wish you well Harry, enjoy all your new Mommy's!

Our very Regal Louie is getting ready to go home next Friday.
Louie says, "10,000 lakes, here I come!"

This week the wind picked up as a front went over our house, just as we started taking pictures. The puppies just knew that there was a storm brewing, so the pictures are not as good as I would have liked. Please check out our newest photo album on Picasa.

Potty training has been going very well, even if the puppies have come in the house very muddy during rain storms ;-)
If you are interested in Dandy or Leo please send me an email at
Lorettaspins@gmail.com
I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about Bichons.

Have a great afternoon,
Loretta